Hip fractures in the elderly. Mortality, functional results and social readaptation.

Six-hundred and fourteen aged over 70 and presenting hip fractures have been studied prospectively. The results were compared with the literature. The overall mortality rate within three months was 24%. This mortality was significantly influenced by the general health condition of the patient at the time of the injury, his living conditions and the possibility of walking again after the operation (p less than 0.001). For 38% of the survivors, the fracture means a considerable loss of functional independence. The adjacent impairment was in close relationship with patient's age and fracture-type (p less than 0.05). Sixty per cent of the patients were able to return home. In predicting the probability of returning home, the functional status before injury and the possibility of walking at the moment of discharge were particularly important (p less than 0.001).